Great Barrier Island is situated approximately 100 kilometres off the
north-eastern coast of Auckland, New Zealand. It is the fourth largest
island in NZ at 28,000 hectares and has a small population of
approximately 800-1000. Two thirds of the island is managed as part of
the Department of Conservation estate who ensure protection of the
unique geography and actively protect three rare and endangered species;
the Chevron Skink, Pateke (brown teal duck)
and the Black Petrel. With large areas of regenerating forest, the
island is considered a stronghold for the North Island Kaka and the
native wood pigeon, Kereru. The island has remained free of many of the
introduced pests that have plagued mainland NZ forests. There are no
deer, ferrets, stoats, possums, hedgehogs, or feral goats, making the
island unique ecologically and, with such a reduced suite of pests, a
strong contender for warranting a pest free status.